The truth about a complex built for veterans and the middle class and how it has evolved through the years to become one of the more interesting and controversial of New York stories.

Comment Policy

All comments to posts have to await approval. Please be aware that, depending on when I'm logged onto the internet, it may take me hours, even longer, to moderate comments, so if they don't turn up in a speedy fashion, they are still in the queue. Comments that cross a line I'm not comfortable with will not get approved.

NOTE: Comments reflect the opinions of the person writing them and should not be assumed to reflect the opinion of the blog. Because of the anonymous nature of the commentary, specific agendas can be pushed by a sole individual and may not reflect a more popular belief by the residents of this community.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Rink Feedback

It's beginning tomorrow, from 9am to 9pm (with filming around the area, no doubt, so beware if you don't want to be used for promos.) Comments are welcome, pro or con. I'm particularly interested in hearing from those residents who live around Playground 10 and may be affected by any noise coming from the rink.

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11/26/11 UPDATE: A STR reader sent in these following photos from today's activities. I've cropped a few and whited out faces.

First off, the important "Filming Taking Place in This Area" notice:

No refunds in case of weather conditions. And don't forget you are skating at your own risk:

Security abounds, but no checking of key cards for "residents and their guests":

More security, on the other of the rink:

This banner will look beautiful in the video promo:

Please tell me they played at least one ABBA song:

Skates, anyone? $7 rental:

OMG, junk food vending machines! I predict these and their brothers are going to find a place in refurbished former trunk rooms once that issue gets settled in favor of CWCapital.

More photos!!!

Spiderman trying to get info from penguin about the recent muggings of senior citizens in Stuy "Gramercy Park" Town:

Not to worry. Stuy Town's Public Safety (ie, Security) is on the case:

Councilman Dan Garodnick (in orange shirt and blue tie) performs in front of the crowd at opening day celebrations.... (Oh, just joking, Dan.)

The grounds and buildings are falling apart and you really can't count on getting your laundry done or sleeping through the night without the woo-hooing drunks, but the grand opening of the skating rink is on schedule. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Garodnick or the TA. If they're doing anything, they're not doing anything for us. We lose. Over and over again. CW and Rose are going to do what they want and they'll get away with it. Welcome to Rockefeller Plaza South. All that will be left are memories.

I live at 19 Oval. Before the rink is even opened we have had 2 days were all of our electricity was turned off for 4 hours each day. Construction noise. Back up beepers going on all day long as the trees get decorated. Construction going on until 8 PM on several nights. And don't forget the fans on for a 48 hour period. Now the fans are covered by a plywood structure it is much better but there is a an electric hum. The sound system was tested out today. Tomorrow we will see how this will unfold. To the people who think the ice skating rink is no no big deal I invite you to have one installed under your windows.

Meanwhile, while security is busy guarding the rink eyesore, another eledely community resident was the victim of a violent robbery, reportedly having his arm broken. The news is reporting it as Gramercy but the video is clearly ST/PCV.

Yes, a real winter wonderland. Peopel should picket and urge a boycott.

Anyone with a boom box should resurrect it and blast it alongside the rink. Residents in surrounding buildings should do the same. I'm thinking Stockhausen, Messiaen, some Stravinsky. If I lived near the rink, I'd blast the music and then go off somewhere quiet. I like the idea of everyone flipping the bird if they're filming. We can thank everyone for patronizing the illegal rink. We need the kind of tactics that aren't illegal but get our point across.

I'm looking at a map of Stuy Town, and there are only two Oval buildings that directly look over Playground 10: 18 & 19 Oval. 20 Oval is adjacent to 18 Oval, but away from Playground 10. If you are on the northern side of 20, there's a possibility you can peek through and see it, but residents across the 20th Street Loop, living on the south side (522, 524, 526), will get a better view and be able to hear any noise better, too.

To the person (November 26, 2011 8:36 AM) who said :>>>I live in 20 Stuyvesant Oval and can't wait to see my two kids out on the rink when it opens<<<

With all due respect, I think you have missed the bigger picture!

This is not about your kids or anyone having a good time. This is about filthy hallways, garbage recycling rooms where the garbage is overflowing on the floor, dirty elevators, elderly getting mugged in their lobbies, filthy laundry rooms where ~ 30% of the machines are broken, mice, rats, roaches in the buildings. Slow maintenance response and band-aide repairs. So if you really cared about your children's happiness, safety, health and wellbeing you would want CW & Rose to take the same amount of energy, money that they are putting into the rink and correct the many deficiencies that exist here in our building. I would think that you would be serving your children's needs in a much better way then your current myopic statement >>"can't wait to see my two kids out on the rink when it opens"<<<. It is my view point (and I don’t think I am alone on this), Your children will be a lot better, be healthier, and safer living in a building that is kept clean of filth, rotting garbage, free from vermin (and their droppings) and where the elderly are not being victimized in the lobbies of their own buildings.

So while your children are slip-sliding on the ice, think about the dried mice and rat poop they may be inhaling , think about the dust and dirt they are inhaling. The next time you walk in and out of your building or stop to pick up your mail, maybe you should think about looking over your shoulder and make sure that some nut-job is not following you to mug you (it is not my intention to scare you, just a dose of reality) And then tell us again, >>>I live in 20 Stuyvesant Oval and can't wait to see my two kids out on the rink when it opens<<<

PS Please note, and remember on election day, we have not had an update from the TA and Couilmen Dan G.

I'm away for Thanksgiving but my air conditioner is not on vacation nor is every light and several appliances. If Rose/CW want to screw with me I will hit them in their pocketbooks. I've taken out all my CFL lights and brought them to my vacation home. I use only 100watt incandescants in ST!

To the poster at 11:02 AM: Please be careful not to create a fire hazard by leaving on all your appliances, lights, etc. What may be lost by way of a fire would be so much more than what you cost Rose/CW by using as much electricity as possible. This is not meant as a criticism because I share your wrath at this indefensibly arrogant and callous landlord, but I do fear fire and it is so easy for a fire to break out here. We don't have the best wiring in the world, remember and appliances sometimes short out.

Remember, “A Park Runs Though It”? Now we have a Zamboni that runs through it. Or you can say a river runs through it. But the river is the river of denial. Not just the transient tenants but many long term tenants are in denial as well. These long term tenants do nothing about the QOL issues here. They don’t belong or go to the TA meetings. They don’t ever file complaints with PS and Management, send letters to politicians or use 311. They voted (if they voted at all) with gusto for Giuliani, Pataki and Bloomberg. A lot of them hang in a certain local bar and worry about betting lines, worry about what the Jets and the Giants, etc., are doing, collecting their public agency pensions and watch Fox News religiously. I am exhausted fighting Management on various QOL issues and calling PS and 311 on a weekly basis . Dan Garodnick , Scott Stringer, Tom Duane, Brian Kavanagh and Carolyn Maloney have a lot to answer for at the 12/3/11 TA meeting. It also may be time to use a OSW style "Public Megaphone” at this meeting although that option may be played out by that date.

The verdict: it's pretty loud. The music isn't the main culprit, but rather the large crowds and kids screaming (although I don't blame the kids at all). It's MUCH noisier than playground 10 would be on an average Saturday afternoon. Plus I counted three security guards milling about the perimeter. Interesting how they can afford to deploy such manpower to protect an ice rink when actual human beings are being robbed on the property.

Hey, Poster at 11:31 AM! I am a long time tenant here, belong to the TA, have lodged many a QOL complaint with management (all fell on deaf ears I might add) and wouldn't watch Fox if it was the only channel on my TV! Also, though I did vote for Giuliani once, when his oppo was Ruth Messenger who I thought was a total flake, I would never vote for Bloomberg if you were to pay me my weight in gold and I am pretty hefty! Don't lump us all in the same basket please!

According to the posted permits for this skating rink, occupancy is limited to 200 and there is supposed to be a visible occupancy sign at the main entrance. Surprise, surprise! There wasn't an occupancy sign to be found at the main entrance AND there were MANY more than 200 people when I was there this morning.

Just another day of thumbing their collective nose and giving tenants - and the law - the middle finger for Adam Rose of Rose Associates and Andrew MacArthur of CW Capital.

"Security abounds, but no checking of key cards for "residents and their guests". Boy, did we know that this was coming. So CW and Rose lie. AGAIN. I am so friggin angry. Dan, are you checking this board?

"I'm away for Thanksgiving but my air conditioner is not on vacation nor is every light and several appliances. If Rose/CW want to screw with me I will hit them in their pocketbooks. I've taken out all my CFL lights and brought them to my vacation home. I use only 100watt incandescants in ST!"

What happens when a person turns 70? Do they revert to adolescence? Real mature and responsible--yeah, that's going to solve the community's problems!

Security isn't going to card Andrew MacArthur and his friends! Stuy Town residents wouldn't betray the community by using this ugly thing. And if they DID, they can expect plenty of dirty looks. How much would you be willing to bet these skaters are hired models and performers. Yes, they'd sink that low.

• No unruly behavior. (save that for later when you are back in the "dorm")

• No stick or puck play.

• No food or beverages. (unless you purchase them from us)

• No gum chewing. (most of you aren't smart enough to skate and chew at the same time, anyway)

• No more than two people may skate together. (but 200 of you can skate together...just make it look like you came in separately)

• No entry on the ice without ice skates. (that'll be seven bucks, please)

• No tag or games of any kind. (tagging is limited to the signs and other parts of the property--black paint is suggested)

• No backward skating, spinning and jumping (during public sessions).

• No talking on cell phones and no use of portable electronic devices, i.e., cameras, iPhones, iPods, Blackberries, etc. (leave the videotaping to us--BTW, your use of the facility grants us unlimited use of your likeness to promote dormitory housing to others)

• No skater is permitted to carry children or other items such as cameras, handbags, etc. (our staff will take your cameras, handbags and other valuables--the kids will be remanded to the custody of the police)

I'm going to be completely honest here. The idea of this rink has given me a lot of anxiety over the past month that I've heard about it and has worried me a lot about the noise. Having said that, I was not woken up today by the noise from the rink, the music I've heard has not been intrusive, and the massive crowds that I imagined have not shown up. So, as of right now, it looks like my fears were for naught.

Having said that, you can bet that I will be a frequent 311 complainer, security caller, or person-who-complains-to-whoever-is-at-the-rink-er if that music disturbs me at any time, or if machinery is too loud after the NYC cutoff time. And, I still hope the rink is deemed illegal and is ultimately uninstalled. I also still think that Rose Associates is a despicable and arrogant corporation for installing the rink in the first place without any input from the tenants who live in the surrounding buildings. I really hope they lose money from this venture and they stop with these over-the-top "amenities".

What happens when a person turns 70? Do they revert to adolescence? Real mature and responsible--yeah, that's going to solve the community's problems!

November 26, 2011 1:48 PM

First, I am no where near 70 and second I dont give a crap what you think. I'm doing everything in my power to spend every last dime that CW Capital has. Running electricy is the easiest way to spend their money so I am going to do it regardless of your opinion. My sink is running a little slow I'm calling maintenance and having them come and snake it. Anything I can think of to spend CW's money is going to happen. Instead of opening a window and being subject to second hand smoke and pot, Im turning on AC, even in January. When I go to work AC and all lights are left on. Spend, spend, spend Mr CW's money.

I know this off-topic, but I am very concerned about the fact that there have been two attacks on elderly men (the last one very brutal) in Stuyvesant Town and these attacks are being reported in the press as having taken place in Gramercy. I just emailed NY1 News to notify them that they were inaccurately reporting the attacks as being in Gramercy. Why are these horrible attacks being wrongly reported as Gramercy instead of Stuyvesant Town? Has Rose Associates asked the 13th pct to give out the wrong location because the truth might be bad for business? This needs to be looked into because if this is deliberate misinformation, then Rose is proving again in a very vile way that they have utter contempt for tenants, especially older tenants. The fact that these attacks are happening here are bad enough, but for them to be deliberately misreported is totally disgusting and contemptible.

It is now 7:30 Am on Sunday and I have been up since 5. Why because of the hum.hum.hum brrr noises from the ick skating fans. There is an actual vibration coming into my bedroom from this. Something has to be done to put an end to this.

Once again, Where is Councilmen Dan G and the TA. You would think just MAYBE they would have something to say about the extra security that was allocated to the skating rink 24/7. Meanwhile our elderly, and loved ones are at risk of being mugged by a repeat violent perpetrator while security sits and watches to make sure that no one steals the ice from the rink.It's easy to see where CW and Rose's priority are, by the way they are allocating their security. The ice rink appears to be higher priority to them than to protect their elderly residents.And still no word from Councilmen Dan or his office.

Every resident of Stuy/pcv should call Councilmen Dan’s office and demand that the councilmen speak up!We have extra security at the ice skating rink 24/7 to make sure that no one is stealing the ice from under their feet. All this, while our elderly residents and loved ones are being violently attached in their buildings.Cw & Rose has shown to us all what their priorities are! And it does not appear to be the safety or well being of our elderly residents.Thier should be pressure put upon CW & Rose to safeguard our elderly residents with the same Every resident of Stuy/pcv should call Councilmen Dan’s office and demand that the councilmen speak up!We have extra security at the ice skating rink 24/7 to make sure that no one is stealing the ice from under their feet. All this, while our elderly residents and loved ones are being violently attached in their buildings.Cw & Rose has shown to us all what their priorities are! And it does not appear to be the safety or well being of our elderly residents. Pressure should be brought upon CW & Rose to protect our elderly with the same Every resident of Stuy/pcv should call Councilmen Dan’s office and demand that the councilmen speak up!We have extra security at the ice skating rink 24/7 to make sure that no one is stealing the ice from under their feet. All this, while our elderly residents and loved ones are being violently attached in their buildings.Cw & Rose has shown to us all what their priorities are! And it does not appear to be the safety or well being of our elderly residents.Pressure should be brought upon CW & Rose to protect our elderly with the same tenacity that they show for protecting the ice skating rink. It would be nice to see Feckless Dan spearhead this.

Regarding the posts regarding leaving lights on in an attempt to have CW spend more money, I have to say I agree whole heartedly. Will it solve the problems that are going on? No, but at least I'm doing my part to make a difference in some small way. If more people did it maybe it will make a more significant difference. I don't litter, but I don't believe that by me not doing that the city will spotless. I don't litter because it's the right thing to do. Trying to hurt CW any way possible is simply the right thing to do.

It is awful if the rink interferes in residents' quiet. The landlord is here to make money, of that there is no question. That is the deal. Some of the "amenities" they have introduced interfere with our homes. Some enhance this place. I have been skating on both days since the rink opened. I see happy people of all ages, interacting with neighbors they never before met, some skating, some enjoying the scene through the fence. All are having a good time doing something healhty and being surprisingly not noisy at all. I hope the neighbors find the rink manageable and that it will be here for many winter seasons to come.

NY1News got back to me and they have corrected their reporting on the attacks that took place.I see they also are running a segment on the ice rink and giving a very positive shine to it (not that I blame them because probably management got to them first). Maybe those affected by the rink should email NY1News and let them know that it is illegal because of zoning issues and that it is disturbing some people in the adjacent buildings. It is a very good news channel and their reporters strive to get everything factually correct.

Okay, here's my personal "report" on the rink. Sunday, around 1pm. Surprisingly, not much noise, though there is a muffled hum, about on the same level (if not less) than a truck idling. The padding enclosure has really helped to keep the noise down. There was NO music playing when I was there, except some music erupted inside the tent with the tacky vending machines.

I sat down by the fountain (nice day outside!) to test out if I could here the hum from the rink. Yes, it's audible, but very low, certainly nothing like the "hum-from-hell" given off by the Joyride food truck when it wasn't hooked into electricity. Because of the acoustics of the Oval, where noise bounces off buildings, I could still hear a faint hum on the other side of the Oval, too. I have very good hearing, btw, so I could understand if others on that side wouldn't be able to hear anything.

As for the rink itself, it's small. Good for children, but I think adults would find it claustrophobic and quickly boring. There were, of course, a good number of children in the rink, less of a number of young adults, and even fever mature adults. Basically, this is a rink for kids.

Those of you that live next to the rink, I understand your anxiety about it infringing on your quality of life. I used to live overlooking the basketball court before they checked residents' ID and was bombarded with f-bombs and dribbling and all kinds of yelling from the courts. I think the rink is more quiet than the summertime astroturf touch footballs scrums and cheers,etc..

My family is having a wonderful time at the rink. We're glad it's hear. Sure, it would be great to have money and attention paid towards upkeep and security or what have you.

Just a quick question and please don't take it the wrong way. It's really just out of curiosity. Of all the people opposed to the rink on this site, how many have kids? Again, I don't want this question to sound confrontational or snotty. Really just curious. My kids are thrilled. THey're having fun with friends and family and getting exercise.

To the electricity rebels: I understand your anger, but I am afraid of doing what you suggest because of the risk of fire; also, I don't want to burn out my appliances and lightbulbs! It's getting harder and harder to find 100w and 150w incandescent bulbs now so I am using them sparingly. I think you should keep in mind that if you run your air conditioner on cold days (lower than 60 degrees) you risk damaging the motor because it will ice up and burn out. Run the fans maybe, but don't cut of the nose to spite the face by wrecking your expensive appliances (and possibly risking a fire) just to get back at Rose. Let's do more positive things to get 'em. For instance, don't let them get away with hiding crime from the press (and scaring the folks in Gramercy to boot!) and don't let the press/media think that the ice rink is just dandy with us all and is a legal and noble think that Rose/CW has done for the kiddywinks. Rose and CW are very, very cunning, devious, slimy and underhanded and those are just their good qualities! Let's always try to be one step ahead of them!

No problem finding 100W 130V bulbs. Sometimes they're called "rough service" or "industrial" but, regardless, they burn between 5 - 10,000 hours on a 120V line (which is what we have). They usually cost less than a buck and they come in all of the other wattages as well. I have used them for a long time.

They don't have to be changed for years--even with spiteful usage! With normal use, you can easily get over 5 years out of them. Great option for people who don't like the buzzy fluorescents and hate changing bulbs.

I think this is great my kids love Theo rink. I also was glad that the vending company Champion Vending filled the machines with plenty of healthy choices. I think all the residents will agree this rink is great after one visit!

I am also glad for the healthy choices in the vending machines.The mice, rats and roaches that are inhabiting our buildings are also glad about the high quailty snacks, because thats where the garbage eventually ends up. There is notning as sad as a undernurished rat or mouse. More food in the oval area more rats and mice, as weather gets colder more rats and mice move indoors to our buildings. More rat and mice droppings in our buildings. Sounds like a win/win situation to me

"I think this is great my kids love Theo rink. I also was glad that the vending company Champion Vending filled the machines with plenty of healthy choices. I think all the residents will agree this rink is great after one visit!"

And I think it is great that management is paying spammers to post bland, positive messages on this board.

Next up:

"I love living here in . It is the best location for my family. We love the amenities and always pay our rent on time because it is the right thing to do. I plan to tell all of my friends about it and take advantage of the $500 Amex gift card. Happy everyone! I will see you all at the !"

Lets see if CW & Rose will call the TV "NEWS 1" truck sitting on 20st. interviewing fed up residents spam.Everyone take note, Councilmen Dan, no where to be found. My guess he will show up after the News 1 report airs.

"I am also glad for the healthy choices in the vending machines.The mice, rats and roaches that are inhabiting our buildings are also glad about the high quailty snacks, because thats where the garbage eventually ends up. There is notning as sad as a undernurished rat or mouse. More food in the oval area more rats and mice, as weather gets colder more rats and mice move indoors to our buildings. More rat and mice droppings in our buildings. Sounds like a win/win situation to me"

What about all the people who purposely feed peanuts to all the pigeons and squirrels out there? Do they have no blame in the rats and mice in the oval? Why doesn't anyone come down on them?

Residents have the power to do something proactive about unresolved issues in Stuy Town. They can pressure the TA. If the TA does not respond, they can organize their own group of people to pressure the landlord, and/or the TA, and/or Councilman Garodnick. That is democracy. One person who acts out by using more electricity than they need is just one person using more electricity than they need. It probably evens out with people who are rarely home who don't use as much as they are entitled to. If you want to be effective, you have to organize. If your efforts are clear and meaningful, rather than whiny,shrill, mean spirited and adolescent, they will be successful.

Hey Old timer...where you been the last couple of years? I have to laugh when someone suggests going to the TA to get action. The best comment I ever read on one of these ST blogs was "The TA couldnt run a bake sale no less ST/PCV". How true. Otherwise, everything you say could be done has been done. The only way to hit back at CW/Rose is through their pocketbook. I am joining in on the expenses side. Anything I can do to cost CW money, I will do. Including running my AC all day when I am at work. Maybe if everyone joined in and ran up CW's tab to run the place they would get the point.

I just got back from skating with my friend and her ten year old daughter. 7 to 9 PM on a Thursday evening. There was no music and while approaching the area I was focused on how much noise was noticeable and the reality was that if it were not for the spotlights you could walk right by the ice rink and not notice it was there (based on the noise level at least, disregarding the big white tents). At 9 PM the rink was cleared of about two dozen skaters, and the Zamboni came out. By the time we had changed from skates to sneakers the Zamboni machine had finished; probably ten minutes I would estimate. I watched and had hot chocolate while my friend and her daughter skated and came in and out of the sheltered area. Seven dollars for admission; didn't need to rent skates so don't know how much extra for the rental. At the peak I would say thirty people were skating; sometimes perhaps ten fewer or ten more. Mostly age eight to twelve I would say. Some adults, but I was surprised not more. Although I'm sure this was very much not prime time for skaters, considering how many pairs of skates I saw to be rented, noise did not seem to be an issue. It seems to me the bright spotlights are more obnoxious. On the other hand my windows do not overlook the rink, so hard to say objectively whether or how much noise can be heard coming from the area.For what it's worth.Rick Bryan

Hall of Shame Award to CWCapital from Stuy Town And Peter Cooper Village Tenants

Awarded for the Roberts Settlement Massacre, in which many tenants received mid-lease rent increases from hundreds to over a thousand dollars, compelling tenants to examine the need to move out with their families at short notice. Doubly awarded for the Oval Park Massacre, in which healthy trees were cut down and plantings viciously uprooted to make way for an institutionalized look of order.

Thinking of Renting in PCVST?

Read Yelp reviews to find out what it's like living here.

Banned Dog Breeds in Stuy Town

Cute rottweiler. But... looks like there is some difficulty in enforcing the ban on certain dog breeds allowed inside Stuy Town/Peter Cooper Village. Somehow pitbulls and pitbull mixes have been registered in STPCV and are allowed to be freely walked about the grounds! Another fail of enforcing the rules around here? You decide!

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Stuyvesant Town Newsreel

Read it and Weep

Current Value of ST/PCV

Was 5.4 Billion Dollars when Tishman Speyer bought the place.Became 1.7 Billion Dollars when Tishman Speyer left, with their tail between their legs.Current estimate? Over 2 Billion?

Ex-landlord

Rob Speyer

1947 Stuy Town Plaque Honoring Met Life Chairman F.H. Ecker (Removed in 2002 and never seen again)

"... who with the vision of experience and the energy of youth conceived and brought into being this project, and others like it, that families of moderate means might live in health, comfort and dignity in park-like communities and that a pattern might be set of private enterprise productively devoted to public service."

Co-op/Condo Conversions

Non-Eviction Conversion:
Requires commitment from purchasers for 15% of the apartments. Both rent regulated and market rate tenants are given the opportunity to purchase. Rent regulated tenants cannot be evicted because they choose not to buy. However, the owner is not required to offer a lease renewal to market-rate tenants.
Eviction Conversion:
Requires written commitment from 51% of the tenants in occupancy. All tenants are given the opportunity to purchase. Those who choose not to can be evicted. For rent stabilized tenants who choose not to purchase, they can be evicted within 3 years after the plan is declared effective. However, rent stabilized tenants who are disabled or senior citizens are exempt from eviction. Market rate tenants can be evicted at the end of their lease. Less likely conversion tactic. [The TA insists that any plan they support will be non-eviction.]

I am writing on behalf of everyone at Tishman Speyer to express how honored we are to become part of your outstanding community. We are a business with deep roots in New York, a true love of our city and a great respect for the neighborhoods that make it special. We are committed to maintaining the unique character and environment that have made Peter Cooper Village and Stuyvesant Town such a wonderful place to live for so long. We look forward to providing you an extraordinary level of service and attentiveness that will be the source of pride and satisfaction for the entire community.

Neighborhood Recommendations

New to Stuy Town/Peter Cooper Village? Here are some basic recommendations.

Best supermarket: Associated on 14th St. between 1st Ave. and Ave A. The cheapest prices, fantastic weekly sales, very affordable lunches; solid, responsive management. Some of the young female cashiers have attitude to spare, though. May be too far for Peter Cooper residents.

Best deli: A Stuy Town favorite is Lenz's on 20 St. between the 20 St. Loop. The way New York used to be. Be careful of unwanted "pepper" in your food, however. Lenz's has a B grade rating and was temporarily closed down due to an order from the Health Department. Bruno's on First Avenue is more upscale, with a greater selection of food items (higher-priced, too), but was closed down by the Health Department in June.

Best post office: Forget it! The post office on 14th St. is generally a nightmare, with long lines and, now, even shorter hours.

Disappointments:

The Stuy Town Starbucks on First Ave. is not very cozy, and the music in the morning is too loud and uptempo. Gently awaken the souls off to work....

More recommendations to come!

Macular Degeneration Support Group

If you are currently diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary is offering a support group for you. Conveniently located next to the Peter Cooper Village Stuyvesant Town apartment complex, our group offers the opportunity to share stories with other members, listen to expert guest speakers, and learn coping strategies to reduce stress. Our group runs on the first Wednesday of every month and we would enjoy seeing you there.
Please contact Baptiste Nicolas, Social Work Assistant at 212-979-4105 for further information and to see if this group is right for you!